84-year-old man to climb 60ft tree for two weeks in aid of favourite charities

An 84-year-old Bath man, George Harding, is set to climb a 60ft tree every day for two weeks to raise money for his two favourite charities, The Forever Friends Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support.

84-year-old George Harding

George, who lives in Bath, is a long-standing volunteer for the Royal United Hospital.

He started climbing the tree in his back garden on Monday 18th May. It takes him around 45 minutes to reach the top and come back down. He came up with the idea because of the social distancing measures that are in place.

George said: “As it’s not possible for me to pursue my usual physical challenges of distance running, cycling or trekking for charity, I want to achieve something completely different.

“I am more than willing to go to great heights in my fundraising endeavours and I appeal to you all to help me by sponsoring my efforts with a donation.

“I am very fond of the tree that I’m climbing as it originally was my family’s Christmas tree for the festive period of 1969.

“The tree was only around three feet high when I planted it with the enthusiastic help of my three young sons.

“We all know and value the NHS and the incredible work they do in caring for our loved ones and friends and as cancer has affected the lives of many people including members of my family, the care and advice received from Macmillan Cancer Support has been invaluable and lifesaving.

“Therefore, in tribute and recognition to both charities I want to raise as much money as possible to help them continue to make the wonderful difference to the wellbeing of us all.”

So far George has raised over £400 including donations on his JustGiving page which you can find by searching ‘George’s Christmas Tree Climb Up’.

He said: “I would be so grateful if you would kindly help me to raise funds for these two most worthy and incredible organisations by sponsoring me to do this challenge.”

Laura Cherry, Events and Community Coordinator, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “George is a dedicated volunteer and a passionate fundraiser for the Royal United Hospitals Bath.

“We are hugely thankful to George for taking his fundraising to the next level to support our staff, patients and their families at the hospital and we wish him the very best of luck with his challenge.”

The money raised by George for The Forever Friends Appeal will go towards the Oncology Services that are provided by a dedicated team of staff at the RUH.

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